Program Reviews

Leslie and The Real Uganda were my first foray on the African continent. Leslie and the community group she connected me with were the *most* welcoming and informative hosts I could imagine.

All of the content on TRU website was insightful and useful and relevant to what I ended up experiencing. My lowest moment was experiencing dehydration, that was accompanied by both vomiting and diarrhea (sorry, but it’s true!) - which were quickly alleviated by oral rehydration salts, and accompanying rest (both from Leslie’s experienced guidance).

The high moments are too innumerable to count, but I was able to start friendships that I hold to this day.

The best review I can give is that I’ve returned every single year since my first trip, and will continue to do so!

I wanted to work with an organization that was truly "for the people, by the people", and this is exactly how it was with The Real Uganda. They paired me with a local Ugandan group who knew the country and the people so well. As a foreigner, you want to work with local groups/individuals to help in any way you can, and this is difficult if the organization itself does not relate to the citizens in that country. I truly got to understand the people of Uganda during my time here. I also had a lot of free time to go on weekend trips, explore Fort Portal, and go on an african safari! I would come back in a heartbeat.

In the women's groups in the remote districts of Bulyantete and Mayindo you will meet remarkable people. With lots of humility, energy, joy and skill, the ladies manage their sometimes hard everyday life. They do have my utmost respect.

They cultivate fields themselves to harvest sweet potatoes, corn, beans or peanuts. As a volunteer you get an impression about their hard work in the fields, dragging stones for the construction of a well or a chicken coop, trying out their admirable art of braiding, teaching a little English and answering questions about your life abroad.

Dancing and singing together is just as popular as a game of netball. In these unique hours you learn a lot from each.

My time teaching English and volunteering with rural village groups was the by far the most eye opening experience I have ever had. It was my first time out of my home country and the experience inspired me to go home and be a better person in our world. A highlight of the trip was getting to know the small community. The teachers at the school and nearby business owners are amazing people with inspiring work ethic. The children at the school are so excited to see you every day. You can tel that just you being there is exciting and something they look forward too.

I went to volunteer with TRU in 2015. It was my first time leaving the country and I was doing it SOLO.
Leslie was amazing the entire time. Before I arrived she answered any and all questions- I think I even asked her what bugs I could expect when I arrived- HA!
The backpackers they posted me up at was safe and friendly. Beautiful with some nummy food!
Meeting Leslie was amazing. It was like reconnecting with an old friend. She took me out and told me what to expect for my time there.
When that was finished I volunteered for 2 weeks with hopeline. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. To this day I think of Uganda frequently. Every day I use things I learned while there. It really opened my eyes to the world and the different experiences available to us that we should take advantage of.
TRU was friendly, educational, adventurous. I would go back in a heartbeat if the opportunity arises.

I really enjoyed my time with The Real Uganda. Leslie takes the time to set you up with amazing grassroots organizations and goes above and beyond to make sure that you have a safe and rewarding experience.

I worked with two organizations during my three months there and got some great experience in teaching health education classes, grant writing, and fundraising support for local non-profits. I was able to work with the programs to make sure that I was able to play to my strengths as a public health professional, and gained so many valuable skills. I learned so much from my mentors/program directors in Uganda, and if you put in the effort you will develop some amazing lifelong friendships.

Leslie also took the time to teach me the basics of travelling in Uganda, and recommended some great travel spots for my free time including river rafting on the Nile and a waterfall hike at Sipi Falls.

It was a great time I spent in Uganda, Kabembe Parents School in Mukono district. The coordinator of the program, the director of the school, teachers and students - everyone was very welcoming and made me feel like home. The work was great, also thanks to all the teaching materials I had brought with me. So I would recommend bringing teaching tools and materials with you which can be very helpful and make your work more interesting. The students were amazing, full of joy and very eager to learn. It was such a pleasure to teach them. I have also learned something from them and have brought new friendships. I will always have warm thoughts about the place, the school, and all the people I met there. It was indeed an experience of a lifetime in many aspects. The living conditions were ok, the help and support of the coordinator of the program was very good (regarding work at school and weekend trips). It was a piece of real Uganda :) that I have experienced.

Through this experience I lived and breathed the ‘real Uganda’ for 3 months.

I was teaching in the school during the week and going on adventures around Uganda in the weekend. Leslie from The Real Uganda was great at making me feel safe and supported.

Visiting uganda with The Real Uganda was the best decision I have ever made. I'll be honest it wasn't smooth sailing the whole time (culture shock is a thing), but the experience, the people and the culture made it unforgettable. The organisation was exceptional, and they chose a fantastic school to place me at, which I will always consider my 'Ugandan Home.' I made lifelong friends and learned so much more about myself. I can't wait to go back!

So to those considering an international volunteer teaching placement- look no further.

From the minute I contacted Leslie at The Real Uganda, I knew it was the perfect match for me! The communication was superb and every query was answered promptly. I was fortunate enough to spend just under 4 months teaching at Grace Orphanage School in rural Uganda. I felt welcomed and a part of the community within just a few days. As a trained teacher I felt that my years of experience did come in handy, however if you are not a trained teacher there are always other ways to help in the classroom and community. It was great to always have Leslie to touch base with and she always ensured we were safe within our community and throughout weekend travel around Uganda. I could not recommend this experience enough.... it was life changing and was honestly the happiest time of my life.

What a wonderful experience. Leslie was very helpful. School director Liz was sweet and welcoming. I spent a month living in village teaching small children. Loved every minute of it. I hope to be back one day ... spent most omg in classroom, afternoon playing with kids in orphanage, evenings visiting village. Learned so much about people in Uganda. Was able to visit capital city and take your down to south border for gorilla watching and safari. Wish I had more time and could stay longer. Be ready to rough it out some. Running water and electricity is not a guarantee in villages. I will forever be thankful for this wonderful experience. Everything was very well organized. I didn’t have any difficulty during my stay , and felt safe at all times.